Former PSA Regional Secretary and Organiser Alan Millar, who was a committed and effective trade unionist in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, has died after a long illness.

Alan was the Central Districts Regional Secretary of the PSA and a well-known identity in Palmerston North, getting about in a flowing cape and deerstalker hat.

Working as a trainee psychiatric nurse in the Waikato, Alan joined the PSA in 1959 and served as a delegate. He transferred to Porirua Hospital, graduated as a registered nurse and became an Executive Committee member.

A significant campaign Alan organized was for additional leave and allowances to recognize issues for workers because the New Plymouth Power Station ran on both oil and gas. The Government’s case that there was no difference between using oil and gas literally blew apart when a gas-burning boiler exploded, luckily without injuring anyone. The State Services Commission quickly negotiated an allowance and extra leave.

During the 1990s Alan led a project to computerize the union’s records; he supported the establishment of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions; and he channeled resources into delegate education. He retired from the PSA in the mid-1990s for health reasons.

The Millar clan survives him including his wife Judy, sons Sandy and Ben, daughter Fiona and moko Alex. Alan was a larger than life character and an old style unionist who was articulate, courageous, steadfast and loyal to the working class movement.

With thanks to John Shennan.

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